Mechanical breakup aerosol sprayer button

ABSTRACT

A mechanical breakup aerosol valve button or actuator with an annular feed chamber which feeds passageways leading into a central swirl chamber immediately ahead of the forward portion of a cylindrical terminal orifice feed post which includes a centrally disposed cavity formed in the face thereof and immediately behind a recessed terminal orifice contained within a terminal orifice which cooperate to produce a homogeneous spray pattern.

App]. No.: 250,604

US. Cl 239/492, 239/337, 239/579 Int. Cl B05b l/34, B65d 83/l4 Field ofSearch 239/337, 490, 492, 7 239/579 References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIQNS 8/1969 Great Britain 239/492 United States Patent i191 [1113,785,571

Hoening Jan. 15, I974 MECHANICAL BREAKUP AEROSOL 1,160,064 2/1958,France .l239/492 Primary Examiner-R0bert S. Ward, Jr. AttorneyStefan M.Stein, John Orman and Arthur W. Fisher, Ill

[57] ABSTRACT A mechanical breakup aerosol valve button or actuator withan annular feed chamber which feeds passageways leading into a centralswirl chamber immediately ahead of the forward portion of a cylindricalterminal orifice feed post which includes a centrally disposed cavityformed in the face thereof and immediately behind a recessed terminalorifice contained within a terminal orifice which cooperate to produce ahomogeneous spray pattern.

15 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] JAN 1 5 I974 FIG.7

Flee MECHANICAL BREAKUP AEROSOL SPRAYER BUTTON BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to amechanical breakup button or actuator for an aerosol valve and moreparticularly to a button or actuator including an annular feed chamberwhich feed passageways which lead to a central swirl chamber immediatelyahead of a feed post having a cavity formed therein which cooperate witha terminal orifice to produce a homogeneous spray pattern.

2. Description of the Prior Art There are numerous designs formechanical breakup buttons or actuators for aerosol valves. Generally,such buttons or actuators comprise structures specifically configured toimpart a swirling action to the product prior to leaving the terminalorifice such that the emitted product is actually mechanically-broken-upinto a fine mist as it is dispensed outwardly from the terminal orificein a predetermined spray pattern. Such mechanical breakup buttons andactuators have been widely employed commercially in conjunction with avariety of products. A survey of these reveals, however, thatconsiderable room for improvement remains.

In addition, the swirling action generated during the breakup of theproduct usually produces an annular or hollow cone shaped spray pattern.In many instances the production of a solid or homogeneous spray patternis desired. However, this design goal is not available with mostexisting simple mechanical breakup buttons or actuators.

Thus, a need exists for a mechanical breakup button of simpleconstruction capable of producing a solid or homogeneous pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a valve button oractuator for an aerosol valve having a substantially vertical dischargepassageway formed therein leading to a terminal orifice insert recessformed in the side wall thereof. The vertical passageway may becontained within the body of the valve .button with an enlarged lowerrecess to receive the customary valve stem or it may extend at its lowerend into a tube which inserts into the valve. A cup shaped terminalorifice insert is inserted into the insert recess where it surrounds apost disposed in the upper portion of the valve stem recess.

The cup shaped terminal orifice insert has a stepped terminal forcontrolling the spray rate and the spray pattern; the smaller, innerdiameter portion controlling the spray rate, the larger, outer diameterportion controlling the spray pattern. Since the stepped orifice isrecessed away from the exterior face-of the insert, there is very littlechance of nicking the edge thereof during assembly or shipping. Thisfurther insures a high degree of spray pattern quality. Of course, theterminal orifice may be straight or tapered rather than stepped.

The insert may also include four swirl producing passageways which leadto a central swirl chamber that is formed when the insert is pressfitted around the post.

A centrally disposed cavity is formed in the forward face of the postimmediately behind the central swirl chamber.

The inside surface of the insert may also include a plurality of filletswhich cooperate with the post to antomatically center the terminalorifice insert with respect to the post during assembly.

In operation with an aerosol valve, the button or actuator is depressedto cause pressurized product to move vertically upward into and throughthe discharge passageway. It is then forced forwardly about the base ofthe feed post toward and through the annular feed groove formed betweenthe terminal orifice insert and the post into the chordal passagewaysand into the central swirl chamber. This flow imparts a rotational,centrifugal movement to the product. As the product flows forwardthrough the swirl chamber, the stepped terminal orifice which has areduced diameter relative to the swirl chamber, generates a backpressure forcing the produce rearwardly into the cavity formed in theface of the feed post. The cavity tends to break up the centrifugal flowof the product. The product is then forced forward through the vortex ofthe swirling product in the swirl chamber and out the terminal orificein a forward motion rather than the customary rotational motion therebyproducing a homogeneous or solid spray pattern. It should be noted thatsimply by changing the shape and relative dimensions of the cavity, thecoarseness and spray pattern may be changed.

Since the smaller diameter portion of the orifice governs the spray rateand the larger diameter portion of the orifice governs the spraypattern, one can customize the spray rate and pattern for'any particularproduct merely by changing the terminal orifice insert.

The passageways and orifices of many existing mechanical breakup buttontend to become clogged with dried product deposits due to the complexstructure. Thus, it is preferable that the passageways leading into theswirl chamber are chordal at about a 20 angle. This causes new productto be sprayed over any solidified product residue remaining in the swirlchamber from previous use without shearing the residue loose from theswirl chamber. Thus, the residue is retained and subsequently dissolvedby the new liquid product. This substantially reduces clogging of thepassages and orifices.

This invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combinations of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope ofthe invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of thenature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to thefollowing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve button with theterminal orifice insert contained therein.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the feed post.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the feed post.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal orifice insert takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the chordal passageways leading to thecentral swirl chamber.

FIGS. 5 through 8 are detail front views of alternate embodiments of thefeed post cavity.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the feed post.

Similar references characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral view of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIG. 1, thevalve button, generally indicated at 10, enlarged at its lower end toreceive a male stem 18 from the valve, comprises a button body 12 and acup shaped terminal orifice insert 14. In this embodiment the dischargepassageway comprises a valve 16 which receives the stem 18 of theaerosol valve 20 (shown only in outer form detail). Immediately aboveand substantially concentric with valve stem recess 16 is a smallerrectangular swirl chamber feed recess 22. A circular support rim 24 isformed by reduced diameter of recess 22 relative to recess 16 wherebybutton body 12 cooperatively engages and seals with the valve stem 18.An additional seal means may be used on rim 24, if desired.

A circular recess 26 designed to house the terminal orifice insert 14 isformed in the side wall 28 of the button 10 and extends inwardly to therecess 22. Affixed to the body 12 adjacent recess 22 in the rear portionof the recess 26 is a cylindrical terminal orifice feed post 30. Acentrally disposed cavity 32 if formed in the forward face 34 of post30. The rectangular recess extending above and below the feed post 30cooperates with the post to form two product feed channels 31 and 33.Obviously, more feed channels can be provided.

The cup shaped terminal orifice insert 14, when press fitted into recess26, completely covers the opening thereof formed in the side wall 28. Anannular feed chamber 36 is formed on the inner end of the insert 14 andsurrounds the forward portion of post 30.

As best shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of fillets 38 (usually four,although more or less may be used) center the terminal orifice 40 of theinsert 14 relative to the post 30. These fillets 38 automatically centerthe insert 14 during automatic high speed assembly. The terminal orificeinsert 14 includes a stepped orifice 40 comprising a smaller diameterrate controlling portion 42 and a larger diameter spray patterncontrolling portion 44. Of course, the terminal orifice may comprise astraight or tapered configuration. The insert 14 may have four (althoughmore or less may be used) swirl producing passageways 46 formed therein.When in position, the terminal orifice insert 14 cooperates with thepost 30 to form the annular feed groove 36, as well as central swirlchamber 50 inward of the passageways 46. A smoothing chamber 52 isformed between the swirl chamber 50 and the stepped terminal orifice 40.As shown in FIG. 1, the smoothing chamber 52 may comprise asubstantially conical shape to funnel the product into the steppedorifice 40.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the chordal swirl producingpassageway 35 may be formed in the face of post 37 to feed a centralswirl chamber 39 having a centrally disposed cavity 32 therein.

Orifice insert 14 may also include an anchoring ring 56 on its outersurface which corresponds to an annular slot 58 in recess 26 to firmlylock the insert 14 in place. As best shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5 through8, the cavity 32 may comprise any one of several configurations.Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a conically shaped cavity 64, FIG. 5 shows apyramid shaped cavity 60, FIG. 6 shows a triangular shaped cavity 62,FIG. 7 shows a conically shaped cavity 66 including a plurality ofbaffles 68 and FIG. 8 shows a conically shaped cavity 66 including aplurality of baffles 68 and FIG. 8 shows a conically shaped cavity 70including a plurality of grooves 72.v These baffles 68 or grooves 72further upset the slack pressure of the emitted product whereby a morehomogeneous spray effected.

In use, when the button 10 is depressed, pressurized produce passesupwardly through valve stem recess 16 an swirl chamber feed recess 22,via passageways 31 and 33 into annular feed groove 36. The product isthen forced by the propellant through the passageways 46 into centralswirl chamber 50. Since, in the preferred form, these passageways 46 arenot tangential but are chordal with respect to the swirl chamber 50, thenew product is sprayed over the residue remaining from previoussprayings thereby minimizing potential clogging of the valve.

The driving pressure then forces the product which now has a centrifugalmovement from the swirl chamber 50 to the smoothing chamber 52. Due tothe reduced diameter of the stepped orifice a back pressure forces theproduct rearwardly into the cavity 32 formed in the post 30 where thecentrifugal How of the product tends to break up. The product is thenforced forwardly through the vortex 52, and discharged through thestepped orifice 40 in a forward motion rather than the customaryrotational motion thereby producing a homogeneous or solid spray patterninstead of the common funnel-like spray pattern.

By changing the shape and structure of the cavity 32, the coarseness andspray pattern may be altered. For example, the conically shaped cavity32, FIG. 3, generates a light ring doughnut shape. The pyramid shapedcavity-60, FIG. 5, and the triangular shaped cavity 62, FIG. 6, form aheavier to solid ringed doughnut shape with only a portion of the centerof the pattern open. The conically shaped cavity 66 with blades 68, FIG.7, and the conically shaped cavity 70, including the grooves 72, FIG. 8,form a solid pattern. Further, the homogeneity of the pattern and theparticle size are regulated by the number and shape of the baffles andcone angle (diameter to altitude ratio). By the introduction of variousshaped terminal orifices in the insert, it is possible to form a square,rectangular, oval and other spray patterns.

The structural design just described can easily be incorporated into anactuator as well as the button to which the above description wasdirected.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention, among thosemade apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained,and since certain changes may be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:

1. A mechanical breakup button or actuator comprising a body, having adischarge passageway formed therein leading to a terminal orifice insertrecess formed in said body, a post disposed in said insert recess, saidpost including a cavity formed therein, a cup shaped terminal orificeinsert including a terminal orifice located in said insert recess suchthat said terminal orifice insert and said post cooperate to form atleast one feed groove, said feed groove communicating with a centralswirl chamber between the forward end of said post and the interior ofsaid terminal orifice insert, said cavity formed in the forward end ofsaid post imshaped recess includes at least one groove formed in theinner surface thereof.

5. The button of claim 3 wherein said conically shaped recess includesat least one protrusion formed on the inner surface thereof.

6. The button of claim 1 wherein said cavity comprises a triangularlyshaped recess.

7. The button of claim 1 wherein said cavity comprises apyramidallyshaped recess.

8. The button of claim 1 further including a swirl smoothing chambercommunicating with both said central swirl chamber and said terminalorifice.

9. The button of claim 8 wherein said swirl smoothing chamber isarranged between said central swirl chamber and said terminal orifice;

10. The button of claim 1 wherein the interior base of said terminalorifice insert is provided with fillets to automatically center theterminal orifice relative to said swirl inducing chamber.

11. The button of claim 1 wherein said terminal orifice insert isremovably disposed within said insert recess and said button furtherincludes locking means to secure said terminal orifice insert in saidinsert recess.

12. The button of claim 11 wherein said locking means comprises ananchoringring formed on the periphery of said terminal orifice insertand a correspondingly shaped anchor slot formed on said insert recess,

.said anchoring ring and said anchor slot cooperatively engaging eachother to secure said insert in said insert recess.

13. The button of claim 1 wherein said feed groove comprises an annularspace formed between said termi nal orifice insert and said post.

14. The button of claim 13 wherein said feed groove leads to at leastone swirl producing passageway which communicates with said centralswirl chamber.

15. The button of claim 1 wherein said discharge passageway includes avalve stem recess.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3 DatedJanuarv 1 s 1Q7A Inventor 5 Kevin J. H'oening It is certified that errorappears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 15, "produce" should read product Column 5, line 6, after"spray" insert rate Signed and sealed this 17th day of September 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents r ORM 1oso (10-69) uscoMM-oc 60376-P69 US. GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE: I959 0-366-334,

1. A mechanical breakup button or actuator comprising a body having adischarge passageway formed therein leading to a terminal orifice insertrecess formed in said body, a post disposed in said insert recess, saidpost including a cavity formed therein, a cup shaped terminal orificeinsert including a terminal orifice located in said insert recess suchthat said terminal orifice insert and said post cooperate to form atleast one feed groove, said feed groove communicating with a centralswirl chamber between the forward end of said post and the interior ofsaid terminal orifice insert, said cavity formed in the forward end ofsaid post immediately rearward of said central swirl chamber, saidcentral swirl chamber communicating with said orifice.
 2. The button ofclaim 1 wherein said terminal orifice comprises an outwardly steppedorifice, the inner, smaller diameter portion of said orifice comprises aspray control means and the outer, larger diameter portion comprises aspray pattern control means.
 3. The button of claim 1 wherein saidcavity comprises a conically shaped recess.
 4. The button of claim 3wherein said conically shaped recess includes at least one groove formedin the inner surface thereof.
 5. The button of claim 3 wherein saidconically shaped recess includes at least one protrusion formed on theinner surface thereof.
 6. The button of claim 1 wherein said cavitycomprises a triangularly shaped recess.
 7. The button of claim 1 whereinsaid cavity comprises a pyramidally shaped recess.
 8. The button ofclaim 1 further including a swirl smoothing chamber communicating withboth said central swirl chamber and said terminal orifice.
 9. The buttonof claim 8 wherein said swirl smoothing chamber is arranged between saidcentral swirl chamber and said terminal orifice.
 10. The button of claim1 wherein the interior base of said terminal orifice insert is providedwith fillets to automatically center the terminal orifice relative tosaid swirl inducing chamber.
 11. The button of claim 1 wherein saidterminal orifice insert is removably disposed within said insert recessand said button further includes locking means to secure said terminalorifice insert in said insert recess.
 12. The button of claim 11 whereinsaid locking means comprises an anchoring ring formed on the peripheryof said terminal orifice insert and a correspondingly shaped anchor slotformed on said insert recess, said anchoring ring and said anchor slotcooperatively engaging each other to secure said insert in said insertrecess.
 13. The button of claim 1 wherein said feed groove comprises anannular space formed between said terminal orifice insert and said post.14. The button of claim 13 wherein said feed groove leads to at leastone swirl producing passageway which communicates with said centralswirl chamber.
 15. The button of claim 1 wherein said dischargepassageway includes a valve stem recess.